U2 are bringing Dolly Parton into the story of their first album of new material in nine years. The band has announced “Torn,” a duet with the country legend, arriving this Friday, November 13, alongside their 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz.
The song carries particular weight: it is described as Parton’s final recorded vocal performance, with Bono and the singer sharing the closing track on the new record. Co-written by U2, Parton and Johnny McDaid, “Torn” is a tender country song about broken family ties, with a story that reaches beyond its personal subject.
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In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Bono recalled the effort Dolly Parton put into recording her vocal. “She got out of her bed to sing this song,” he said. “And you can hear that. And I can’t even listen to it now… She sang her heart out, and I cannot believe that’s an 80-year-old woman.”
U2 also shared a letter Dolly Parton sent Bono on June 2, 2026, offering her thoughts after recording the song. “Hope you like what I did. I did quite a few things. Take from it what you want and what you need, but I love the song, and I think it could be something really special,” she wrote. She closed with a personal message: “Thanks for including me in your life. I’ve always loved you and always will.”
“Torn” will appear on Carnaval De Luz, due November 13 through Island Records. The 12-track collection marks U2’s first full-length album of new material since 2017’s Songs of Experience and arrives during the band’s 50th anniversary year. Produced by Jacknife Lee, the record explores spirituality, friendship, freedom and endurance, drawing on both the group’s experimental instincts and more direct songwriting.
The album follows two surprise-released six-track EPs from earlier in 2026, Days of Ash and Easter Lily, which were recorded during the same creative period. Its contributors include Brian Eno, Martin Garrix and Lanois, while Ryan Tedder provides additional production on “Silencio,” the track released ahead of the album with a video filmed in Mexico City and directed by Cliqua.
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